OYG-CAM has successfully organized 3rd Youth Networking and Team Building Camp on October 25-26, 2008 in Sihanouk Ville which was participated by 130 youth from different background. To view the list of participants, please click here. The 3rd youth camp was held to achieve these objectives: 1) promote friendship, mutual understanding and build capacity of OYG-CAM members and other youths through knowledge and experience sharing activities, 2) build team spirit and network between and among the youth, 3) set a role model for others and 4) engage and inspire youths in social and volunteer activities and for them to understand environmental issues and get involved in the environmental protection efforts. For detailed agenda of the camp please click here.

Prior to the camp, the selected participants were invited to attend an orientation session on Sunday, October 19, 2008 at the office of the United National Development Program (UNDP). Members of the Executive Committee, Miss Kong Davy and Miss. Chhay Chansopheaktra briefed the participants about the overall objectives and the entire schedule and activities during the camp and provided the participants with opportunities to raise questions, share their expectations as well as suggestions. It was a very good orientation which helped all the participants better prepared for the camp.

Oct 25, 2006 - participants began to gather at 6:30 a.m, waited to board the buses in front of the Royal University of Phnom Penh. At 6:47 a.m, the buses departed for Sihanouk Ville. On the way to the camp site, many activities occurred on the buses including the reminding of the camp activities; announcement of the ground rules; distribution of caps, T-shirts and breakfast by the Executive Committee of OYG-CAM and the event organizing Sub-Committee. Then the self-introduction began which was followed by entertainment program such as singing and sharing jokes, etc. in order to increase intimacy among the participants. To read a more detailed article please click here:  

Although it took four hours of a ride on the road before getting to the camp site , the participants did not seem to feel like it was a long ride because they had enjoyed the entertainment program on the buses. Some of them were a bit tired because of their too-much laughing. The buses arrived in Sihanouk Ville at about 11:25 a.m; the Sub-Committee in charge of accommodation assisted the participants with the hotel check-in. After refreshing and having a shower, the participants then headed to the camp venue for lunch and be ready for the starting of the different sessions as planned for the afternoon on one of the beaches named Chnei Hawaii.

Following lunch and a short break, the camp session kicked off with a speech of the UN Youth Officer, Mr. Soth Nimol who gave his brief overview about the youth situation in Cambodia in general and informed about some on-going activities that are being implemented by the international organizations as well as the youth organizations in Cambodia including various survey related to the youth issues.

Mr. Nimol encouraged all the participants to fully participate in all activities during the camp and believed that this was one of the most important venues for young people to get to know each others, to learn from each others and to experience social activities together.

OYG-CAM Board of Advisor, Mr. Preap Kol gave his testimony and introduction about OYG-CAM explaining the participants about the background, vision, mission, goal and objectives as well as activities of OYG-CAM.

Mr. Kol said that this is the biggest youth camp organized by OYG-CAM since it was founded in April 06, 2008 which is participated by 130 youths who come from different background. "OYG-CAM is a venue for the strong and talented youth who come together in order that they can collectively use their knowledge and skills to help strengthen those weaker ones so that we all can be stronger and have the best ability to fully contribute to our society.

It is a venue to bring in resource persons from different spectrums, the elderly and the specialists who have different skills and practical experience that they have earned through their many years of work to share with the young people so that the youth are equipped with necessary skills to be effective leaders of the future generation. They can share their valuable resources  through the Youth Capacity Development Program of OYG-CAM. It is also a venue for us to share useful information about careers and scholarship opportunities and a venue for us to help our youth friends find good career and scholarship" said Mr. Kol.

Mr. Kol expressed his thankfulness and gratitude to all the sponsors and especially the participants who make this exciting youth camp possible. He gave his special thanks to his colleagues, the Executive Committee who have been working very hard in organizing this event and appreciated the members of the Sub-Committee who volunteered to help organize the camp in every aspect.
 

Mr. Joseph Green, a Representative from Peace Corps addressed the participants at the youth camp by explaining the mission and activities of Peace Corps and sharing his volunteer experience in Cambodia. Peace Corps was officially started in 1961 by the late President John F. Kennedy. The program officially has three goals: 1) to help the people of interested countries in meeting their needs for trained workers; 2) to help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served; and 3) when a Volunteer returns to America, to help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans. Mr. Green said Volunteerism is at first glance a simple idea - work for others without expecting financial or material reward -.  Here in Cambodia two groups of Peace Corps Volunteers are currently working with that idea in mind.

The volunteers work along side Cambodian teachers in high schools and regional teacher trainer centers. "When I arrived in Cambodia, I thought that service was a simple idea. Work for others without expecting money or gifts. Serving my community has been much more difficult than I thought. Khmer is a really difficult language to learn. Cambodian society is much more complex than I could have ever imagined. I was much more powerless than I thought. That is what I told myself. I have experienced many surprises and benefits as a volunteer in Cambodia. I have also been given many things better than financial or material reward. The biggest reward of my service has been my opportunity to experience the tremendous hospitality of the Cambodian people. I had the opportunity to learn Khmer with my host family in Kampot and Kampong Cham. I got the opportunity to learn about Khmer culture and take part in many celebrations while I've lived here. I even had the pleasure of meeting the King. I have seen my heart grow because of the love of my new Cambodian family, friends, and students. The people that I thought I would teach, taught me that I am powerful " Said Mr. Green.

He continued: "Peace Corps didn't come here to tell Cambodia how to be modern or to fix Cambodia's problems. That is a job that is going to be left to people who know Cambodia the best. You. Peace Corps Volunteers will support you in your task.

Meas Nee said in his book Towards Understanding, that Cambodian Society is like a basket that has been broken and the pieces scattered. The pieces are still there but not everyone can see them. What has been broken can be remade slowly and gradually, but only by those who will take the time to stay close to the village people and build trust with them. He knows for certain that this can be achieved, even though it must be done slowly and carefully. Eventually the village people are the weavers themselves and they carry the task forward further. The basket will be better than before but first it must be something like the same.

It is our goal to put the pain of violence behind us and to resolve our differences. The future will be a time of exciting challenge. In time many good things will come to your community and terrible things will come as well.

You will be prepared for these things because you considered the questions I asked today. You must never forget you are powerful. You are the future leaders of Cambodia "

To read Mr. Green entire speech please click here.

The environmental session began with an interesting presentation about the environmental issues in Cambodia by an Environment Specialist from the World Bank, Mr. Leng Bunlong who also highlighted the very important work in environmental safeguard and protection supported by the World Bank in Cambodia. To view presentation slides of Mr. Bunlong please click here.

Following the presentation by the Environment Specialist, the participants were divided up in to 4 groups to discuss 4 environmental issues including air pollution, soil pollution, noise pollution and water pollution. Each group were split up into two small sub-groups, one of which is to discuss the causes, affects and solutions for each subjects while another small sub-group was to design educational slogans for each of their assigned topics.

Mr. Leng Bunlong, Environmental Special, World Bank

It was noted that each member of the group was actively participating in the discussion, sharing their ideas and inputs and debating each others to reach a consensus and conclusion. Group facilitators were helping to move the discussion forward and making sure each group was able to accomplish the objective of the exercise.

Young people proved to be talent and creative and they never run out of ideas during the discussion but of course time was limited and they had to stop at a certain point.  

After an extensive discussion on their assigned subjects, each group was given 7 minutes to make presentation about the findings and the slogans from their group. Presentations were made in different forms: some groups chose to explain their messages while others groups chose to do role plays making their presentation lively and fun. To read the results of the group discussions please click here.
 

The beach cleaning campaign was conducted along “Chnei O Chheur Teal” right after the group discussion about the environmental pollution. The campaign lasted for about one and a half hours. The campaign was aimed at raising awareness of environmental protection along the beach and seeking participation from the local vendors as well as tourists to make Chnei O Chheur Teal a clean beach.

There were two groups – participants travelling on Bus A and participants travelling on Bus B. The two groups worked from different directions. The campaign would end when the two groups intersect. Prior to the cleaning campaign, instruction was given and each participant received a pair of gloves and a mask for protection. Two participants paired up; each held the plastic bag with one hand, and picked with another one. Some held the designed slogans. It was a very successful campaign in that we could get the message across to the people as tourists and locals in the area.

A middle-aged vendor of a small store along the beach said: “I am very happy to see you guys do this”. He added that he wished that people would be more willing and responsible. He applauded our campaign. Even a group of young children who collect bottles along the beach joined us. Their action was moving and added to our success. At the end of the campaign, we left several baskets along the beach, hoping that it could raise awareness of and spread the message on importance of environmental protection to people.

Group picture of participants on O Cheu Teal beach during the beach cleaning campaign

Although everyone was fully engaged in all sessions during the day, they did not seem to lack energy for the entertainment program in the evening. The music began while the participants were having dinner which gave additional flavor to the taste of the food. Music is important in all types of party in Cambodia without which something is missing.

Right after dinner, the participants were ready to call in their friends to the dancing floor and performed to their best dancing skills. We had all types of music and song: ramvong, ram khbach, saravan, lam leav, cha cha cha, boleuro, madizon, lamada and disco. We also had a few participants who performed as DJ and a lot of them who could sing as good as the professional singers.

We had a small music band who were pretty good in keeping the dancing mood going. Beside we had prepared a lot of music and songs to keep everyone busy on the dancing floor.

Before the Sun rises the next morning, the participants gathered on the beach and lined up for the morning exercise. Miss Kong Davy, a member of the Executive Committee of OYG-CAM gave instruction and commanded the exercises which made everyone warmed up in the cool morning. Shortly after the exercise, interesting team building games began. These thematic games: one circle boom, destination and win, all for one and who is the longest are all important and meaningful. To read introduction of each game please click here:

The objectives of the games were to strengthen relationship and friendship among participants which is important and meaningful for group activities and for working as a team. Each game provided participants with opportunities to establish intimacy, solidarity and team work and unity in developing strategies to achieve common goal as well as how to overcome their challenges and obstacles together.

At the end of each game, the group sat down together and discussed their experience as a reflection of what had happened: how did the team go, what worked and what did not, why and why not, why they lost and why they won and how they could do better, etc. Everyone really enjoyed participating in these games although a lot of activities and laughing made some of them really hungry after all.

At 9:45 a.m, all participants gathered at the camp venue in order to proceed to the next session which was one of the most important parts of the camp "the sharing of experience from students who went to study oversea through various scholarship programs" such as: SSEAYP (Ship for South East Asian Youth Program), SUSI (Study of the United States Institute for Student Leaders), YLC (Youth Leader Challenge) and SYC (Sunburst Youth Camp).

The purpose of these presentations was to enable the youth to get to know about various scholarship programs and opportunities and to provide them with important information regarding the application process. The presentations were done by the fellows from each of this study program and was preceded by short video clips before the briefing. It was quite moving to the participants seeing the solidarity and friendship among the fellow participants as shown in the video clips and noted how the programs have changed their perspectives and how much they have grown after having participated in these prestigious study programs. Information regarding the application process as well as some important tips were given at the end of each presentation. The presenters encouraged the youth who are eligible and interested to apply for the program.

Each study program is uniquely special, for example SUSI which was sponsored by the Branch for the Study of the United States Office of Academic Exchange programs, U.S. Department of States was aimed to increase mutual understanding between the United Sates and other countries, through a range of academic and professional exchange. Seven Cambodian university students who are also members of the OYG-CAM had been selected to participate in this intensive academic program to study and deepen their understanding about leadership skills, political and democratic development in the United States of America.

To download presentation slides please click these links: Ship for South East Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) ; Study of the United States Institute for Student Leaders (SUSI) ; Youth Leadership Challenge (YLC) ; Sunburst Youth Camp (SYC).

Mr. Soth Nimol, UN Youth Officer took the floor and facilitated the reflection of the overall camp activities in order to get immediate feedback from the participants. Several participants randomly selected from among the crowd of audience were volunteered to share their experience and view of all activities of the camp. Overall, the participants felt very strongly that the youth camp was very useful for which they have experienced working as a team and understand the dynamic and essence of working together and obtained additional knowledge. Two participants stood up to say that they never used to like working as a team because they think it is frustrating and difficult to adapt each others' difference. But after the camp they realized that there are ways that the team can play well together and team work is so important in all type of activities.

A young participant who is currently studying at high school passionately expressed his satisfaction over the camp activities that he has taken part in and thought this has changed him. "I used to be very shy and I was shy all the way here. But when I joined all the sessions and got involved in team building activities, I felt most confident then ever before" said the young man. "I have learned a lot of things", he continued. A lady stood up from the audience floor to say that she has been so depressed over the last few weeks and felt somehow hopeless. But after participating in the camp activities she has a very good feeling. "I have been so depressed recently with something and I thought it is the end of my life. But now I told myself that I should not waste my time anymore with that depress feeling" the lady said. "After hearing all these great experience and understood about these study and scholarship opportunities, I must now be prepared for all these opportunities" she continued.

Although the event was very successful, not everything goes well as it was planned especially the timing of each session. There were a few logistical matters as well but that was common when it comes to accommodating a large number of participants. However, the general feedback we get from the evaluation that was filled up by the participants are very positive and encouraging. To view a summary report of the evaluation please click here.

The camp was concluded by testimony from two special guests. Mr. Bou Saroeun, Communication Officer and Youth Focal Point of the World Bank spoke very highly of the event. He said it was his first time to see young people are seriously and actively participating in this kind of activities. "It is amazing that you made a big contribution to the success of this event: your energy, knowledge and cash. You must congratulate yourself as participants for being the biggest donor of the event" he cheered the participants. He ended his remark by asking the youth to consider what they need to change from today which they can commit to do for the rest of their life.

Mr. Sam Borin, Deputy Director of Radio Free Asia for Cambodia Service was the last guest to address the youth after spending almost two days observing all activities during the camp. He proudly appreciated everyone for the successful event and admired the talent of the young generation. Mr. Sam Borin took the chance to advise young people to preserve the value of their original language while adapting foreign languages. "It is important to create the Khmer version of language instead of naming things in a foreign language" he said. He also explained how people of different spectrums in the society are inter-related to one another and how they can depend on each other to succeed their common goal and objectives in all aspects. He ended his message by asking the participants to clap their hands starting with one finger, followed by two, three, four and then all fives. The five fingers together made the clapping of hands the loudest which demonstrated that in order to be strong people must unite and work together.

Prior to having lunch we had a flavor of an inspiring song called " I Need to Wake Up", played by one of the participant: Mr. Sum Sithen in which we all sang together. To download the song please click here.

OYG-CAM would like promote transparency and accountability in all of its activities and is willing to make all the information available to the public including the financial report. For the 3rd Youth Networking and Team Building Camp OYG-CAM raised totally $US3,081.00 from various sponsors but the participants themselves where the biggest sponsors of the event. Besides, we received materials such as T-Shirt, Caps and key chains as souvenirs from a few companies. To view the list of all the sponsors please click here.

During the preparation and organization of the camp, OYG-CAM spent totally $US2,671.98. To view the details of the expenses please click here.

All the sponsors have full authority to conduct audit on accounting and financial report of OYG-CAM. Any assigned members of OYG-CAM who are found to be involved in any corruption form concerning OYG-CAM financial expenses and management will be terminated by the Board of Advisors without condition.

Many pictures taken during the camp and have been uploaded to the website. Below is the link to photos during the camp that has been uploaded so far.

• Picture Album 1: Click Here

• Picture Album 2: Click Here

• Picture Album 3: Click Here

• Picture Album 4: Click Here